Understanding Non-Economic Damages in NJ Personal Injury Cases

Being injured is more than just a physical ordeal—it can change your life in ways you never expected. Beyond the medical bills and lost wages, there’s often pain, emotional distress, and a sense of loss that no amount of money can fully erase. 

If you’ve been injured in New Jersey, you may have heard about “non-economic damages” but aren’t sure what they mean. At Rosengard Law Group, we understand that your suffering goes beyond financial losses. We’re here to help you understand what non-economic damages are, how to calculate them properly, and what you can do to ensure you’re getting the compensation you truly deserve. 

Understanding Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for losses that don’t have a clear dollar value. Unlike medical expenses or lost wages, which can be calculated with receipts and pay stubs, non-economic damages cover the emotional and psychological impact of your injury. These damages recognize that pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life deserve acknowledgment and justice.

Types of Non-Economic Damages in Personal Injury Cases

When pursuing a personal injury case, injured victims in New Jersey may be entitled to several types of non-economic damages, including:

• Pain and suffering: Pain and Suffering refers to the physical discomfort and ongoing pain caused by your injuries.
• Emotional distress: Emotional distress takes the form of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health challenges resulting from the accident.
• Loss of enjoyment of life is the inability to participate in activities you once loved.
• Loss of consortium: Loss of consortium means the negative impact on your relationship with your spouse or family due to your injuries.

These damages aim to restore a sense of balance for what you’ve endured, even though the losses can’t be measured in exact terms. However, this is just a short list of examples. You might want to work with a personal injury lawyer to understand the extent of the harm suffered. 

How Are Non-Economic Damages Calculated in NJ?

New Jersey does not use a strict formula to calculate non-economic damages. Instead, insurance companies and courts consider several factors, including how severe your injuries are, how long the recovery might take, and the extent to which your injuries affect your daily life and overall well-being.  

Insurance adjusters or juries may use a “multiplier method,” where your economic damages are multiplied by a number (usually between 1.5 and 5) to estimate non-economic damages. However, every case is unique, and your lawyer will fight to ensure the true scope of your suffering is recognized.

Limitations and Caps on Non-Economic Damages in New Jersey

Unlike some states, New Jersey does not impose limits on any compensatory damages in personal injury cases. This means you can pursue fair compensation for the full extent of your pain and suffering. However, while there are no statewide caps, convincing a jury or insurance company of the value of non-economic damages can be challenging without skilled legal representation by your side. With years of experience serving injured people in New Jersey, we—here at Rosengard Law Group—know how to present personal injury cases effectively and ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation they deserve. 

Impact of Non-Economic Damages on NJ Personal Injury Settlements

Non-economic damages often make up a sizable portion of personal injury settlements because these damages recognize the deeper impact of an accident—beyond Current and future medical expenses and lost wages. 

That’s why insurance companies may try to downplay the emotional toll of your accident to reduce their payout. If you have a lawyer by your side, they won’t let that happen. Non-economic damages don’t just add value to your case—they validate your experience and help secure the justice you deserve. 

Proving Non-Economic Damages in a Personal Injury Case

You cannot prove non-economic damages without compelling evidence. “But how do I prove to someone the impact an injury has on me without making them live my life?” you might be wondering. That’s a great question. But, fortunately, it is possible to prove these damages even though they don’t come with receipts or invoices. You will need to gather: 

• Medical records and expert testimony: These can connect your injuries to your physical pain and emotional distress, providing a professional perspective on the challenges you face.
• Mental health documentation: If you have sought therapy or counseling for trauma, anxiety, or depression caused by the accident, these records can illustrate the emotional toll.
• Personal statements and journals: Writing about how your injuries have affected your daily life, relationships, and enjoyment of activities can create a powerful narrative.
• Witness statements: Testimony from family, friends, or coworkers can provide insight into how your injuries have changed your personality, mood, or ability to engage in everyday life.
• Visual evidence: Photos or videos showing your injuries, medical treatments, or difficulty performing basic tasks can be compelling.

At Rosengard Law Group, we work closely with you to build a strong case from scratch. We listen to your story, gather the necessary evidence, and ensure your voice is heard.

Fight for Non-Economic Damages With Rosengard Law Group

If you or a loved one has been injured in New Jersey, don’t face the fight for compensation alone. At Rosengard Law Group, we understand how to help you recover the compensation you truly deserve—the compensation that takes into account all of your struggles. Call our office at (856) 284-6446 or fill out a contact form on our website to schedule your free consultation.